Contemporary Approaches

Contemporary Approaches

1. Genes

   • Nature vs Nurture
     • Twin studies
       • Identical twins (100% of genes shared) approximately 46% variation in personality, opposed to fraternal twins (share approx 50% of genes) showed approximately 23% variation
   • Genetic make up of a person contributes to the devlopment part of the individuals personality
     • Genes account for approximately 50% of given traits
   • Genes increase the risk of personality disorders

2. Anatomy of the central nervous system

   • Eysenck
     • Model of personality
       • Based on the results of factor analyses of responses on personality
         • three demensions of eprsonality: extraversion, neuroticism, psychoticism
           • Extraversion
             • Extraverts are sociable and active, they enjoy meeting people and going to parties
             • Extraverts described as showing low levels of cortical arousal, while introverts were seen as over-aroused
             • Extraverts more sensitive to reward - (introverts more sensitive to punishment)
           • Neuroticism
             • Reflecting differences in the intensity of emotional experiences
               • It might be expected that individuals high in neuroticism might be more likely to use drugs in order to reduce or avoid negative emotional states
           • Psychoticism
             • Refers to a personality pattern typified by aggressiveness and interpersonal hostility
               • Individuals high on psychoticism are tough-minded, non-conformist, willing to take risks and may engage in antisocial behaviour
               • Measure traits related to anxiety and depression
               • Trait relates to pschopathy/antisocial personality disorder

3. Biochemistry

   • Hormones
     • Testosterone
       • a sense of separateness
       • aggression and risk-taking
       • sex drive (not touch affection) and sexual fantasy
       • anxiety or energy leading to poor concentration
       • assertiveness and self-confidence
       • visual-spatial ability and interest in moving objects
       • violent, criminal, or psychotic behaviour
     • Estrogen
       • a stable mood and a sense of well-being
       • feminine sexual behaviour
       • neuron growth and improved cognition
     • Vasopressin
       • influences male social and sexual behaviour, public communication, and paternal pattern
     • Oxytocin
       • promotes touching, affection and bonding
   • Neurotransmitters
     • Serotonin system
       • Nueroticism/Harm Avoidance
     • Dopamine system
       • Conscentiousness/novelty seeking
     • Norepinephrine system
       • Extraversion/Reward Depenance
     • Epinepherine system
       • Agreeableness/Persistance
     • Histamine system
       • Openess/ Rebelious-conformity/ self-directedness